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Alice Stewart, a Republican political consultant and CNN commentator best known for her dedication to undergraduate students as a member of the Harvard Institute of Politics’ Senior Advisory Board, died early Saturday morning. She was 58 years old.
Law enforcement officials said Stewart’s body was found outside in the Bellevue, Virginia, area and that they believe a medical emergency contributed to her death, according to CNN.
Stewart, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, joined IOP’s SAC in 2021 after previously serving as an IOP Resident Fellow for two semesters.
Stewart was born on March 11, 1966 in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism.
In a joint statement, Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas W. Elmendorf, IOP Director Setti D. Warren, and IOP SAC Chair Michael Nutter said Stewart was a “loyal supporter and tremendous leadership influence.” He had power,” he said.
“As a committee member, she has always been enthusiastic and enthusiastic, and has consistently provided valuable advice to strengthen IOP in serving Harvard students interested in politics and public service. ” they wrote.
IOP President Pratyush Mallick ’25 said in an interview that Ms. Stewart’s death was “incredibly sad” and praised her years of service to the IOP and its student membership.
“Above all, she was incredibly welcoming and always ready to help students,” Malick said. “Her death is incredibly sad.”
Stewart began his career as a local reporter in Georgia and went on to work with former Arkansas Gov. Mike D. Huckabee, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), former Sen. Rick J. Santorum, and former U.S. Rep. served as communications director for the Republican presidential campaign. .Michele M. Bachman.
Malick said Stewart was instrumental in inviting many Republican politicians to IOP events, and the organization hopes she can help bring more Republican voices into IOP programs in the future. He said he was doing it.
“She’s been a huge asset to us in making sure that Republican members of Congress are aware of and willing to participate in programs and events like the ones we do,” Malick said. .
IOP Treasurer Saba Mehrzad ’25 recalled that Stewart worked hard to keep his duties as a CNN commentator away from IOP students.
Once, when Ms. Stewart was asked to appear on a television show during a scheduled meeting with IOP’s Women’s Initiative and Leadership Group, she did not cancel the event. Instead, Mehrzad said, after Ms. Stewart gave advice to students who had registered for the event, she allowed them to watch the recording of CNN’s live segment.
“What I remember is, first of all, how cool it was to see someone on TV live from the same room,” Mehrzad said. “That’s the biggest thing that still stands out to me is her willingness to embrace IOP and accommodate as many students as possible.”
Several former IOP leaders praised Stewart’s continued guidance even after his involvement with IOP ended.
In a joint statement, Victor E. Flores ’23-’25 and Nadia R. Douglas ’23-’24, who co-chaired the IOP Fellows and Research Group Program in 2021, wrote: There is. Dedication shaped his unique path at Harvard.
“Although we differed politically, her willingness to engage in difficult conversations encouraged us and our collaborators to reach out to us across political lines. It helped inspire me to continue my advocacy,” they wrote.
Several current and former IOP students described Stewart as someone who quickly became a personal mentor.
IOP Vice President Ethan C. Kelley ’25 said Mr. Stewart was “someone I’ve looked to for advice and guidance.”
“I’m shocked and just sad,” Kelly said.
Karine M. Hajjar ’21, who served as IOP leader while Stewart was a fellow, said their relationship continued after she graduated from Harvard.
“She was always there, answering texts, giving me advice on job ideas and all kinds of future prospects, and was really supportive,” Hajar said.
“She was one of my greatest mentors,” Hajjar said.
—Staff writer William C. Mao can be reached at william.mao@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @williamcmao.
—Staff writer Dhruv T. Patel can be reached at dhruv.patel@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @dhruvtkpatel.
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